When you take out car insurance, it's important to know how much coverage you have against the various weather events that can damage your vehicle. From hail to extreme flooding, weather damage is undoubtedly a concern for many drivers. In this article, we're going to explore in detail what types of weather damage can be covered by car insurance and what to do if your vehicle is affected by one of these incidents.
With climate change making storms more and more unpredictable, knowing how insurance protects us against these phenomena is key. In addition, it is important to understand when it is our insurer who must take care of the repair and when the Insurance Compensation Consortium, a state body that covers certain extraordinary incidents, comes into play. Let's look at all the information you need to be prepared for any meteorological unforeseen event.
What is weather damage?
When we talk about weather damage to a car, we are referring to damage caused by climatic factors such as hail, floods, strong winds or falling branches during a storm. These events can cause anything from minor cosmetic damage to more serious problems, such as broken windows or the total destruction of the vehicle.
The most common damages These are damage to the bodywork caused by hail, broken headlights or windshields due to objects thrown by strong gusts of wind, and floods that can damage the engine or electrical parts of the car.
In general, preventing these types of incidents is complicated, since in most cases they are unpredictable. However, knowing how to act when they occur and knowing the details of our policy can make a big difference.
What does car insurance cover in case of weather damage?
The coverage offered by car insurance against damage caused by atmospheric phenomena It directly depends on the type of policy that we have contracted and its specific conditions. In general terms, comprehensive insurance is the one that offers a broader level of protection, but not all extended third party insurance includes the same coverage.
The hail is a good example. While some insurers include it in their comprehensive or extended third-party coverage, other companies require you to take out an additional extension for this type of damage to be covered.
In the case of floods, however, it is usually the Insurance Compensation Consortium who covers the damages, as long as this natural phenomenon is considered an extraordinary risk. This state body acts when the damages cannot be covered by private insurers, but for the Consortium to intervene it is necessary to have a consortium-type insurance, that is, at least a coverage beyond the mandatory insurance.
The role of the Insurance Compensation Consortium
Something that many drivers do not know is that the Insurance Compensation Consortium is responsible for compensating in situations of extraordinary damages such as earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanic eruptions or extraordinary floodsHowever, more common events such as hail or snow are not directly covered by this body, as they are not considered extraordinary phenomena according to the Consortium's Legal Statute.
How to claim for weather damage?
If your car is damaged by a meteorological phenomenon, the first step will be to report the incident. as soon as possible to your insurer. In many cases, there are deadlines that should not be exceeded, and prompt notification can speed up the appraisal and claim process.
It is recommended protect the vehicle If possible, take photographs from several angles and save any relevant documents such as previous invoices or expert reports. If the damage is caused by a catastrophic event (such as a large-scale flood), the Insurance Compensation Consortium will most likely be required to intervene, provided certain requirements have been met, such as having a valid policy and being up to date with payments.
What damages are not covered by the Consortium?
The Insurance Compensation Consortium is not responsible for all damage that a vehicle may suffer during a weather event. For example, hail and snow do not fall within the framework of extraordinary risks covered by the Consortium. In these cases, it will be the insurer that determines whether there is coverage for the damage.
Similarly, the Consortium does not cover damage caused by overflowing dams or sewers, nor those in which a direct person responsible can be identified, such as the fall of a tree planted on private property.
Tips for being covered against weather damage
It is crucial to know the details of your car insurance policy to avoid unpleasant surprises in the event of an accident. Here are some tips to ensure you are well covered against weather events:
- Check the coverages of your car insurance before the winter or heavy rainy season arrives. Some companies offer additional coverages that may be useful to you.
- It is always advisable keep the car in a garage when not in use, especially during periods when storms and rain are more frequent.
- If your insurance is basic third party, consider expand it to cover possible damage to windows or bodywork caused by hail or strong wind.
How to manage vehicle repairs
If your car has been damaged and your insurance covers the damage caused by the weather, the insurance company will usually take care of the process. This usually includes choosing a repair shop associated with the company, or, if you have free choice of repair shop coverage, you can decide where you want to take the car.
The time it takes to repair will depend on the severity of the damage and the availability of garages. Remember that if you have taken out insurance with an excess, you will probably have to pay part of the cost of the repair.
It is important to be clear that, for certain damages caused by extreme phenomena, such as strong winds or floods, you will not have to pay anything, since the insurer or the Consortium will cover the expenses, as long as the conditions of the policy are met.
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